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Easter is a happy story, right? This super nice guy is put on a cross, as he dies a rainbow shoots out of his body and through that it means that after I chill 75.4 years in this life I get spend eternity in a place where I’ve got a mansion, it’s always 78 degrees plus there’s cats that hug and popcorn trees? Sweet! Sign me up! But there’s one more minor part of the story to understand…. I am the one who crucified Jesus. Downer.
My judgement whipped him and tore his flesh apart. My selfishness pressed the crown of thorns into his head. My greed pounded the nails in his hands and feet.
I don’t feel quite so deserving of those popcorn trees anymore. Actually, having killed the carpenter who’s supposed to build my mansion, I kinda doubt I’ll even get to heaven.
Lemme hear you say “I’m a piece of crap!”
If you’ve ever gone to church regularly in your life, it’s likely that you’ve heard something like this during an intense part of the worship or sermon:
Pastor/Worship leader: If Jesus died for your sins and you’re going to heaven, lemme hear you say “Amen!”
Congregation: Amen!
But how often have you heard something like this?
Pastor/Worship leader: If you are a piece of crap sinner who put the nails in Jesus’ hands and feet because of your greed, judgement and countless other sins, gimme an “Amen!”
Congregation: … (pin drops)….
Me either. It’s not a fun thing to think about, but that is true about me. Don’t get me wrong, I love Easter Sunday, but Good Friday is part of the story too, and I played a role in that.
Jesus Ain’t Pissed!
Here’s the cool thing…. Even though I’m the one who put him on the cross, apparently Jesus ain’t pissed at me. At first, that sounded nice, but it didn’t really sink in. I mean, Jesus has to say he’s not pissed, because… well… you know… he’s the Son of God and all. But after years of letting that truth s-l-o-w-l-y sink into my life, I think I’m actually starting to believe it. He’s not pissed at me. He’s not muttering insults at me under his breath or behind my back. An not only is he not pissed at me, I think he actually kinda likes me.
I’m so Christ-like, It’s Not Even Christ-like
An eternity of popcorn trees still sounds awesome, but somehow this whole “Jesus-still-likes-me-even-after-I-killed-him” thing makes me a little less focused on that future. Somehow it makes me more focused on the present. In fact, the more I think about it, I kinda want to be like Jesus to other people.
Occasionally Sometimes Far too often Most times Nearly every time I try to be like Jesus to others, I get a little too focused on how awesome I am for being so much like Jesus. Turns out that’s not a very Jesus-like attitude to have and I end up with a big bucket of #fail. But there are times where I’m able to get my own ego out of the way just long enough for Jesus to somehow work through me to show his love to others. And in that there’s a power that could kick Samson’s butt.
Tags: cross, crucifixion, Jesus, violent
Posted on Friday, March 25.
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have you heard the switchfoot/jon foreman song “revenge”? (it’s on youtube if you haven’t) not only is it totally right-on with this piece, but it popped up on my itunes right as i looked at it… i think i’m supposed to share. :)
I actually just heard some of Jon Foreman’s stuff for the first time recently, including this song. He’s got some really good tunes. I never caught the lyrics on this one so I checked them out and you’re right, they’re spot on.
It’s fun when different art connects with each other like that!
I really like this design, Jim. I feel like it has more dimensional depth than the others that you’ve done.
Thanks, Marie! It’s full of depth, just like my thoughts :)
I frequently enjoy and look forward to seeing your work, but today the words were especially encouraging (and entertaining). Keep it up! And, I feel ya on the “bucket of #fail” – I do one seemingly selfless thing and I think I’ve got this Jesus-follower thing under control. Ugh.
Thanks, Leslie! Fortunately, we’ve got a God who is very patient with us :)
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